US EPA: Air Toxics Wesite: Nickel compounds
Link |
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/nickel.html |
Elements |
Nickel
|
Species |
Inorganic Organic |
Topic |
Information - Human Health/Nutrition/Metabolism |
|
Information - Toxicity |
Owner |
Government |
Location |
United States |
Language |
English |
Description
Nickel occurs naturally in the environment at low levels. Nickel
is an essential element in some animal species, and it has been suggested
it may be essential for human nutrition. Nickel dermatitis, consisting
of itching of the fingers, hands, and forearms, is the most common effect
in humans from chronic (long-term) skin contact with nickel. Respiratory
effects have also been reported in humans from inhalation exposure to
nickel. Human and animal studies have reported an increased risk
of lung and nasal cancers from exposure to nickel refinery dusts and nickel
subsulfide. Animal studies of soluble nickel compounds (i.e., nickel
carbonyl) have reported lung tumors. EPA has classified nickel refinery
dust and nickel subsulfide as Group A, human carcinogens, and nickel carbonyl
as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.
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